Summer HAF programme for Dudley children
Children who are eligible for free school meals in Dudley borough are set to enjoy a fantastic programme of activities for the school holidays.
Dudley Council is working with Dudley Council for Voluntary Services (DCVS) to offer the Holiday Activity Fun (HAF) programme, which runs from 25 July to 2 September.
Any child in the borough who is aged five to 16 and qualifies for free school meals due to low family income can take part in the free activities.
More than 5,000 children have registered for the scheme. They will have access to 16 activity sessions each which they can choose from activities delivered by more than 80 cultural and heritage sites, community groups and in school holiday clubs.
School holiday clubs, where little ones can let off steam and take part in action-packed sports and activity camps, are being organised in selected schools.
At Baggridge Country Park, children can try out the High Ropes adventures and organisers are working with Dudley Zoo and other attractions to offer great family days out for people who would normally not be able to afford it.
A number of other activities are also being organised for all children across the borough. There be karting, tennis, yoga, nature school and much more. People are urged to look on the council website for more information.
Councillor Ruth Buttery, cabinet member for children’s services, said:
Dudley Council has prioritised our Child Friendly Dudley vision and we know it takes everyone to raise a child, which is why we are working closely with our partners towards achieving our vision.
The HAF programme offers children and young people the much-needed opportunity to build their confidence, socialise and have some fun this summer and we are proud to be working with DCVS and other organisations offer it once again.
This year to celebrate the Commonwealth Games we are also hosting a number of Birmingham 2022 free festival site events, which we have combined with our Play Week from 1 to 8 August, for all families to enjoy and watch the games live on giant screens.
Each year parents give their feedback for the HAF programme. Recent feedback includes:
I am so grateful to HAF for all the activities, they will be fully appreciated. It's helped so much with mental health, and I am glad to see more and more awareness of HAF. It really has made a big difference, thank you. I'm sure many others would agree.
There are lots of activities that my kids will love, so thank you to you and the team for arranging all these things for us to do that we wouldn't be able to do without the HAF.
Families must be in receipt of low-income or benefits related free school meals to qualify for the free school meal activities.
Parents of registered children can book activities online now https://holidayactivitiesindudley.com/program-details-activities/